Can a lawyer represent both parties in a family law dispute?

A lawyer can represent both parties in a family law dispute under specific conditions, which is why this answer is the correct choice. This arrangement is typically referred to as joint representation. However, for it to be ethically and legally sound, the attorney must ensure that both clients are fully informed about the implications of joint representation. This includes discussing potential conflicts of interest and obtaining informed consent from both parties.

One significant consideration in these situations is the issue of confidentiality. The lawyer must clarify how the duty of confidentiality operates when representing more than one client. Since both parties may share sensitive information, the lawyer needs to explain that some information may not remain confidential between them. This understanding is critical to ensure that all parties are aware of how their relationship will affect the information shared during the legal process.

Other options provide limited or incorrect views. Suggesting that it is against the law to represent both parties overlooks situations where joint representation can be appropriate with the right precautions. Proposing representation only if the parties are family members restricts the context too much, as it doesn't account for couples who are not related but wish to engage the same counsel competently. Lastly, stating that representation can occur only after obtaining a court order implies a procedural requirement that is not typically applicable in these cases